Male Factor Infertility: Top 5 Causes
Infertility caused by the male reproductive system is the sole or contributing cause for up to 40% of cases of infertility.
Here are some of the most common causes of male factor infertility:
1. Abnormal Sperm Production: Abnormal sperm production in the testes, which can result in a low or absent sperm count, low sperm motility, abnormally-shaped sperm, and sperm with damaged DNA. This can be caused by:
Endocrine disorders. Sperm production is controlled by the hormone FSH, LH, and testosterone. If any of these hormones are not being produced normally, sperm production will likely be impaired. Hyperprolactinemia (excess prolactin production) and thyroid disorders can also affect sperm production.
Trauma to the testes, which can consist of medical interventions such as chemotherapy.
The presence of autoimmune disorders, genetic disorders (e.g. Klinefelter’s syndrome) or gene mutations, or infections (such as STIs).
Varicocele (a varicose vein in the testicles) can increase testicular temperature and impair sperm production.
Cryptorchidism: the testes never descended into the scrotum.
2. Reproductive Tract Blockages: Blockages in the reproductive tract can prevent sperm expulsion from the body during ejaculation. This can be caused by inflammation anywhere in the reproductive tract (from trauma or infection) or physical blockages. A vasectomy is a surgical blockage of the vas deferens which prevents sperm from exiting the body during ejaculation.
3. Sexual Dysfunctions: Sexual dysfunctions including erectile dysfunction and anejaculation (the inability to ejaculate) can affect fertility.
4. Retrograde Ejaculation: Retrograde ejaculation occurs when sperm enter the bladder instead of being expelled out of the body during ejaculation.
